Born in Osaka in 1969, Hidekazu Ashida became a product designer for a home appliance manufacturer after graduating from Tokyo Zokei University in 1992. He later joined an architectural design firm and in 2005 launched his own office, Ashida Design, where he focuses mainly on design of products such as consumer electronics, furniture, and interior elements. His many awards include the Sekisui Product Design competition’s Grand Prize and the Good Design award. He currently resides in France. http://www.ashidadesign.com

A native of Stockholm, Anna von Schewen graduated from the city’s University College of Art, Craft and Design in 1995 and began working at the design studio of Niels Gammelgaard in Copenhagen. In 1997, she returned to Stockholm to open her own studio, and since then has designed furniture and other products in collaboration with many clients in Sweden and abroad. She also carries out projects in exhibition design and architecture.

Born in 1969 and based in Paris, Patrick Norguet partners with many international furniture brands and engages in a wide range of interior design projects for hotels, restaurants and luxury fashion boutiques. He is hailed for his high standards of craftsmanship for industrial products. One of his trademark creations, the 1999 “Rainbow Chair,” was selected to grace MoMA’s collection.
https://www.patricknorguet.com 〈photo by Dimitri Coste〉

A native of Sweden, Monica Förster graduated from Konstfack University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in 1997. Working from her studio in Stockholm, she collaborates with famous brands across the globe. Her creations have been showered with awards, with some joining the collections of MoMA, V&A and other art museums. She is highly regarded around the world as a leader of Sweden’s contemporary design scene.

This duo founded the Palombaserafini Studio in Milan in 1994 to provide architectural and design services. Many of their projects are collaborations with internationally renowned brands and have been recognized with honors such as the Compasso d’Oro, Red Dot Design Award, and Elle Deco International Design Award. Their work spans a wide spectrum, including houses, large-order furniture projects for institutional customers, interiors, and even yachts.

Born in Munich in 1965, Konstantin Grcic joined Jasper Morrison’s office after graduating from the Royal College of Art in London in 1990. In the following year he set up his own studio, Konstantin Grcic Industrial Design, and since then has developed numerous award-winning products, including a wide range of office furniture. Many of his works have been added to the permanent collections of MoMA and other museums.

Founded in 1991 by Alberto Lievore, Jeannette Altherr and Manel Molina, this studio has provided product design, consulting and art direction services to many different businesses, earning diverse accolades such as the 1999 National Design Award of Spain. In 2013, the trio began working with Arflex Japan in their first collaboration with a Japanese company.

This native of Milan and graduate of the city’s Scuola Politecnica di Design worked for architects Mario Bellini and Antonio Citterio before opening Brioschi Studio in 1994. He pursues many projects in fields such as industrial design, interior design, and corporate image building. In 2005, Arflex Japan became his first partner in Japan.

Born on Awaji Island in Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture in 1976, Jin Kuramoto is a graduate of Kanazawa College of Art. After working as a designer for consumer electronics firm, he founded Jin Kuramoto Studio in 2008. His work focuses mainly on designing and developing furniture, electric appliances, and daily necessities for clients around the world. Honors received include the IF Design Award and the Good Design Award, among many others.
http://www.jinkuramoto.com/

Born in Tokyo in 1980, Kosho Tsuboi graduated from Tama Art University’s Environmental Design Department. In 2006, he co-launched the design brand “100%” and in the following year started up his own studio, Hironao Tsuboi Design. His broad range of activities centers on product design, spanning daily necessities, electric appliances, furniture, and more. His work has been recognized with many prizes, including the Red Dot Award, the D&AD Global Award, and the Good Design Award.
http://www.koshotsuboi.com/